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In the Caatinga area of Brazil, three years after the elimination of grazing, there are no significant improvements for the soil. Photo: Otávio Nogueira Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPhoto: Otávio Nogueira Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Overgrazing halt not enough to restore soil in Brazil

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The study in the Caatinga region in Brazil: stopping grazing is not enough to restore soil health. Additional regenerative practices must be adopted to achieve results
The Prepsoil project was launched in 2022 to “support the implementation of the Soil Mission by creating awareness and knowledge". Image: PREPSOILImage: PREPSOIL

Brussels to host Prepsoil project final event

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The final event of the three-year initiative will be held on May 26. Dedicated to policymakers, researchers and professionals, the meeting will host four sessions focusing on key issues related to EU Mission Soil implementation
From 1981 to 2021, thirst waves in the U.S. became 17 percent more intense and 23 percent more frequent. Photo: USDA photo by Bob Nichols. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed.USDA photo by Bob Nichols. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed.

US agriculture pays the price of atmosphere “thirst”

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An American study introduces the concept of “thirst waves.” In the US they have been on the rise for at least four decades. The phenomenon occurs when evaporative demand is high and plants therefore need more water
Rocky outcrops are common in mountain ecosystems and exert a significant impact on ecosystem functions. Photo: Copyright Chris Gunns and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

How rock outcrops impact soil in the mountains

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A Chinese study describes and measures the effect of outcrops on the soil. These create specific localized “hotspots” where soil functions are enhanced. Rock size amplifies effect
Three years after the Russian invasion, in addition to the inestimable human costs, the war in Ukraine continues to produce significant environmental damage. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Taras Gren Attribution - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedMinistry of Defense of Ukraine, Taras Gren Attribution - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

How war is contributing to environmental degradation in Ukraine

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EU Commission's snapshot: conflict in Ukraine has contributed to the devastation of the land by releasing toxic elements that can cause serious health consequences
An experiment in Wales revealed how bioplastic mulches do not negatively impact soil organic matter content and have minimal effects on the bacterial community. Photo: F. Kesselring, FKuR Willich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Germany CC BY-SA 3.0 DE DeedF. Kesselring, FKuR Willich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Germany CC BY-SA 3.0 DE Deed

Biodegradable mulch sheets don’t reduce soil organic content

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According to a British study, the use of bioplastic biodegradable mulch sheets in agricultural soils increases yields and has no side effects in terms of carbon balance

Troubled waters: The multiple impact of the devastating floods in Europe

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Floods account for 44% of all natural disasters and cause half of deaths. 1.8 billion people are exposed to the risk. Over 30 years, the cost to the EU amounts to 170 billion euros. A unique journalistic data research has created the first pan-European database on floods over the last 10 years
Among microbes in urban spaces, there is increasing similarity among bacteria, while fungi are more resistant to homogenization. Photo: pxhere CC0 Public domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredpxhere CC0 Public domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Soil microbes react in different ways to urbanization

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An international study describes the impact on various microbial communities. Although with different responses, bacteria and fungi maintain their basic functions thus ensuring ecosystem services
In the future, says the bacteria-based model, the area of grasslands characterised by alkaline soils will expand. Photo: Shizhao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedShizhao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Bacteria help predict soil acidity in grasslands

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A new Chinese model based on bacterial analysis allows to estimate changes in grasslands. By 2100, soil acidity will decrease especially in North-East Asia, Africa and Oceania